Thank you for visiting my website.
My approach to health draws from biologic, psychologic, social and spiritual perspectives. Though separated below, in any healing process they never are.
BODY
My biologic perspective is guided by my background in conventional psychiatry, as well as the growing scientific studies on the micro-biome (specifically the microbes that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract), epigenetics, and the role of nutrient deficiencies and nutrient overloads in mental illness.
An alteration in the natural microbiome can follow exposure to antibiotics, hormones/steroids or other medication, being born by c-section, diet, and stress among other things. This disruption can lead to increased permeability of the gastrointestinal tract, autoimmune reactions, nutrient deficiencies and exposure to toxins or neurotransmitter-like substances released from opportunistic microbes. The result can be an array of physical and psychiatric symptoms. The goals of individualized nutritional approaches are to correct the imbalance of gastrointestinal microbes, heal the gut, replace nutrient deficiencies and restore health.
There is growing research, as well, into the role of genetics and epigenetics (the study of changes in individuals caused by modifications of gene expression, rather than the genes themselves) and brain functioning. These genetic vulnerabilities can result in nutrient deficiencies or even nutrient overloads that specifically affect the brain. The goal of individualized nutrient protocols which come out of the work of Dr. William Walsh is to normalize the levels of nutrients and thereby decrease or eliminate symptoms. Such treatment approaches are not in opposition to medication and can be used in conjunction. Relative to medication, however, nutrient protocols are based on an individual's unique biochemistry and have fewer side effects. For some who are on psychiatric medication, a lowering or even discontinuing of medication may be possible after a period of stability.
HEART/MIND
My psychological (and social) perspective is guided by my training in psychodynamic individual therapy, family therapy and attachment theory. Prior to closing my previous practice, I sub-specialized in treating children who had experienced trauma - many whose earliest years were spent in international orphanages. Those children taught me that much of the way we experience ourselves, others and the world is shaped in our very beginnings - those early moments which we don't recall. With their families, those children taught me about resilience, hope and that experiencing trusting relationships is essential to our health and humanity.
In recent years, I've studied and taught in the community about Happiness, or Positive Psychology - the study of the strengths of individuals who are thriving. I also advocated for children and taught about child-targeted marketing and the impacts of media and marketing on the developing child/human.
SOUL
No less important to me has been my interest in spirituality. I believe that each of us, regardless of our belief system, has a need for meaning, connection and purpose that fit with our unique abilities, strengths and passions. "Why am I here?", "What is it that only I can give?" and "Are my choices congruent with my deeply held values?" are questions worth grappling with as we pursue fulfillment and look to decreasing the stress of modern life.
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Until late 2014, I was away from the practice of psychiatry. During that time, I was at home with my daughter, creating art, writing, teaching in the community and studying nutrition and the relationship between the digestive system and the brain. My interest in nutrition came out of a desire to help my daughter and myself through our own healing processes. When I returned to psychiatry, I combined my background in conventional psychiatry with my education and experiences while I was away.
Aside from evaluating and treating brain related conditions, I strive to empower individuals, parents and families to listen to and trust themselves. Through workshops and discussion groups, I share what I have learned, but also provide an environment where people can think out loud while gaining support and inspiration from others.
Memberships:
Integrative Medicine for Mental Health
Founding Full Member of the International Society of Environmentally Acquired Illness
Kentuckiana Integrative Medical Association
American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Kentucky Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
My approach to health draws from biologic, psychologic, social and spiritual perspectives. Though separated below, in any healing process they never are.
BODY
My biologic perspective is guided by my background in conventional psychiatry, as well as the growing scientific studies on the micro-biome (specifically the microbes that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract), epigenetics, and the role of nutrient deficiencies and nutrient overloads in mental illness.
An alteration in the natural microbiome can follow exposure to antibiotics, hormones/steroids or other medication, being born by c-section, diet, and stress among other things. This disruption can lead to increased permeability of the gastrointestinal tract, autoimmune reactions, nutrient deficiencies and exposure to toxins or neurotransmitter-like substances released from opportunistic microbes. The result can be an array of physical and psychiatric symptoms. The goals of individualized nutritional approaches are to correct the imbalance of gastrointestinal microbes, heal the gut, replace nutrient deficiencies and restore health.
There is growing research, as well, into the role of genetics and epigenetics (the study of changes in individuals caused by modifications of gene expression, rather than the genes themselves) and brain functioning. These genetic vulnerabilities can result in nutrient deficiencies or even nutrient overloads that specifically affect the brain. The goal of individualized nutrient protocols which come out of the work of Dr. William Walsh is to normalize the levels of nutrients and thereby decrease or eliminate symptoms. Such treatment approaches are not in opposition to medication and can be used in conjunction. Relative to medication, however, nutrient protocols are based on an individual's unique biochemistry and have fewer side effects. For some who are on psychiatric medication, a lowering or even discontinuing of medication may be possible after a period of stability.
HEART/MIND
My psychological (and social) perspective is guided by my training in psychodynamic individual therapy, family therapy and attachment theory. Prior to closing my previous practice, I sub-specialized in treating children who had experienced trauma - many whose earliest years were spent in international orphanages. Those children taught me that much of the way we experience ourselves, others and the world is shaped in our very beginnings - those early moments which we don't recall. With their families, those children taught me about resilience, hope and that experiencing trusting relationships is essential to our health and humanity.
In recent years, I've studied and taught in the community about Happiness, or Positive Psychology - the study of the strengths of individuals who are thriving. I also advocated for children and taught about child-targeted marketing and the impacts of media and marketing on the developing child/human.
SOUL
No less important to me has been my interest in spirituality. I believe that each of us, regardless of our belief system, has a need for meaning, connection and purpose that fit with our unique abilities, strengths and passions. "Why am I here?", "What is it that only I can give?" and "Are my choices congruent with my deeply held values?" are questions worth grappling with as we pursue fulfillment and look to decreasing the stress of modern life.
-----------------------------
Until late 2014, I was away from the practice of psychiatry. During that time, I was at home with my daughter, creating art, writing, teaching in the community and studying nutrition and the relationship between the digestive system and the brain. My interest in nutrition came out of a desire to help my daughter and myself through our own healing processes. When I returned to psychiatry, I combined my background in conventional psychiatry with my education and experiences while I was away.
Aside from evaluating and treating brain related conditions, I strive to empower individuals, parents and families to listen to and trust themselves. Through workshops and discussion groups, I share what I have learned, but also provide an environment where people can think out loud while gaining support and inspiration from others.
- Zoology Bachelor of Arts - University of Texas at Austin - 1986-1990
- Medical Degree - Baylor College of Medicine (Houston, Texas)- 1990-1994
- Medical Internship - Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons (New York, New York) - 1994-1995
- General Psychiatry Residency - University of Louisville - 1995-1998
- Live Family Therapy Training - Bingham Child Guidance Center - 1997-1999
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship - University of Louisville - 1997-1999
- Community Mental Health - Life Springs Mental Health Services 1999-2001
- Private Practice Psychiatry (Courtney Brown, MD) in Louisville, Kentucky - 2001-2005
- Training: The Attachment and Bonding Center of Ohio with Arleta James, PCC and Gregory Keck, PhD - February 2003
- Motherhood - 2005 to present
- Writing and art for exhibit 2005 to present
- Positive psychology workshops (including for the Idea Festival) and child advocacy and teaching on the impact of marketing and media on child development - 2006-2013
- Self-directed study of nutritional approaches to autoimmune, neuropsychiatric and developmental disorders - 2005-present
- Return to private practice psychiatry - 2014
- Walsh Research Institute Physician Training in Advanced Nutrient Therapies with William Walsh, PhD, Albert Mensah, MD and Judy Bowman, MD - October, 2014
- Mentorship with Albert Mensah, MD - physician-specialist in biochemical imbalances and cofounder of Mensah Medical - one of the world’s largest biomedical practice specializing in biochemical individuality and imbalances. - 2015 - 2016.
- Mentorship with Elizabeth Mumper, MD - pediatrician, internationally recognized expert in integrative and biomedical treatments for autism and founder of the Rimland Center for Integrative Medicine 2015 to 2016.
- Walsh Research Institute Physician Training in Advanced Nutrient Therapies - April, 2017
- Pragmatic Spirituality Discussion Group - Facilitated with business and leadership advisor (and my husband) Marty Snyder - August 2017 to present
- Mentorship with Neil Nathan, MD - October, 2018 to present
Memberships:
Integrative Medicine for Mental Health
Founding Full Member of the International Society of Environmentally Acquired Illness
Kentuckiana Integrative Medical Association
American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Kentucky Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry